christinejones89 Reviews

Dog (I) (2022)

What a good dog

[10/10 · 20 February 2022]

I've been looking forward to this film for a long time, who doesn't love a good animal film? As some other reviews have stated, it does lean more towards the drama side rather than comedy but don't be fooled, there are definitely some really funny moments alongside the drama.

The storyline I felt was extremely believable. I liked the fact that they delved into Lulu's history and touched on aspects of her behaviour & grief, sometimes mirroring Briggs. This isn't always the case with dog films. I also thought the military aspect was extremely well done and was a good reflection of the troubles people may have when they return from service.

The credit should go to the dogs, trainers & Channing on this film though. I didn't once get the impression the dogs were "acting" and the relationship between the two felt very natural on screen. Almost as if she were his dog.

The only negative is I felt they could have done more with the ending, made it more of a tearjerker but also have the happy ending.

Overall, a heart warming story of how an animal can really change your life, even if you don't really know it at the time, which is something all us dog owners can relate to.

Anne with an E (2017–2019)

Beautiful

[10/10 · 11 December 2020]

What a truly lovely and heartwarming show this is. I'm so disappointed it hasn't been renewed for a fourth season, however the story has been left open so I do hope it gets picked back up in the future. Amybeth McNulty, Geraldine James & Robert Thomson all do a fantastic job, in fact the whole cast is wonderful. There are some wonderful sets, beautiful shots. Just fabulous.

The Lion King (2019)

Amazing!

[10/10 · 28 July 2019]

After reading some negative reviews I was a little apprehensive about watching this film as it is my all time favourite Disney and I didn't want to be disappointed. However, as soon as the music started at the beginning (you know the one), I was transported back to my 6 year old self, watching the Lion King for the first time and falling in love with animals and nature.

Yes they've changed some aspects, yes the songs are different, yes the voices are different but this film is a masterpiece in its own right. The original is epic and truly is a wonderful film, however this was never meant to be an exact replica, it was always going to be different but they've done such a wonderful job.

The film is visually spectacular! The soundtrack is amazing and it's actually quite funny in parts, with the cinema bursting out in laughter.

Go and watch it. Appreciate it for what it is.

Beauty and the Beast (I) (2017)

Fantastic film!

[10/10 · 2 April 2017]

I came on here to rate this film and was shocked at the amount of negative reviews that this film has. I rated it 10 out of 10 purely because it's a truly magical film.

I love Disney and always have done, and I was a little apprehensive to see this in case it ruined the magic of the original. However I was enthralled from start to finish. After the initial shock of seeing Hermione singing (HP super fan here), I was transported for two hours into a brilliant, light hearted, funny and entertaining film. It's beautiful, a little sad near the end but overall I left the cinema with a big smile on my face.

This is definitely a film for all ages. If you haven't seen it yet, go and see it! Some people on here are so negative about the CGI and all the effects, but it is a Disney musical film intended for kids and loved by all ages. There's more important things (in my eyes) that the effects... after all isn't that the moral of the story! Don't judge something by its looks alone.

Pride & Prejudice (2005)

One word - beautiful!

[9/10 · 10 January 2015]

I honestly don't understand how this film is getting bad reviews, so here's my take on it.

I love Jane Austin films, and I've read Pride and Prejudice many times in the past. I've also watched this film probably around 10-15 times now, which is a sign of how much I enjoy it.

Firstly the story itself is very similar to that of the book, I understand many people have suggested that they've made the Bennetts poor, but that's not how I understood it at all. They were wealthy enough to keep a cook and a maid, which is in keeping with the book. There were other minor differences for example, when Bingley asks Darcy if he has his blessing, this isn't in the book. I thought the setting for the film was beautiful. Very rural and typical England for the time. At some points in the film it seemed very dark, foggy, miserable and then the end scene it brightened up to sunshine (similar to the story I guess). Keira Knightley was by far my favourite in this film, she portrayed Elizabeth fantastically, even if she was a little more forward than the book states. I still got a sense of independence, free will and lots of laughter from her, and Rosamund Pike (Jane) also. Matthew Macfadyen who portrayed Mr. Darcy also did a superb job. He looks the part, and played the part wonderfully, portraying Darcy as a superior, wealthy gentleman who slowly falls in love with Elizabeth, against his better judgement. I even got the impression he was annoyed at himself for it! The props and costumes are wonderful and to detail for the time period. I think all the characters look fantastic, and the soundtracks fits the film also. I actually don't have any negative comments for this film.

It truly is a lovely film to watch, although I do admit, no film will ever do the book justice, but this definitely is by far the best adaptation of Pride and Prejudice around.

The Great Gatsby (2013)

Overall a very enjoyable film!

[9/10 · 10 January 2015]

I must confess that I haven't read the book, but soon will do after watching this film. I wasn't entirely sure whether I'd enjoy this film or not, having read the synopsis and plot, it didn't excite me but I went ahead and watched it anyway. I enjoy Baz Luhrmann because I feel like he brings a modern outlook to his films. He used a modern day soundtrack with music we recognise today, for a film set in the 1920's which is one of the main features I enjoyed throughout this film. Secondly, I have to say that the sets, props and costumes that made the film, were literally stunning. I've always loved the 20's but this film made me quite envious to have not lived during that period. Toby Maguire was truly excellent. As someone who hasn't seen him in much other than Spider-Man, it was quite refreshing to see him in this quirky, light hearted but at the same time, serious role. Carey Mulligan, looked beautiful the whole way through and portrayed Daisy wonderfully. I think I was most impressed by Leonardo Dicaprio, as always with his films. I had no idea what Jay Gatsby was like, as I haven't read the book, but he came across to me very troubled, insecure about himself and his wealth and it was clear he put on a show to be the gentleman he aimed to be. He played the part extremely well!

Overall, it was a really enjoyable film, if not a little long. I'd definitely watch again, recommend to others, and I'm going to purchase the book so I can review the story from a different perspective!